ISLAMABAD, Feb 11: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Pakistan on account of its geo-strategic location is playing a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

A strong Pakistan is in the best interest of the region therefore Japan by assisting Pakistan is contributing to the cause of peace.

The prime minister was talking to Mr Akihiro Ota, Secretary-General of the New Komeito Party. He was heading a delegation of his party, which called on Mr Aziz at the Prime Minister’s House on Saturday.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan was working as an anchor of peace and stability in the region and favoured the resolution of all issues through dialogue.

He said Pakistan did not have aggressive designs against any country. “Our nuclear programme is to achieve minimum deterrence and maintain balance of power in the region,” the prime minister said and added: “Peace is achieved through strength. Pakistan has the capability to maintain peace and play a stabilizing role in the region.”

Referring to the reforms introduced by the government, the prime minister said the success of reforms had provided Pakistan the capability to improve the quality of life of its people.